,
PRIME MINISTER
ELECTION STRATEGY
As you know, on Friday and Saturday I attended the Chairman's
strategy conference at Hever Castle. As well as the key
Central Office directors, also there were Brian Griffiths,
Dick Wirthlin, Tim Bell, John Hanvey and David Willets.
I found the Conference extremely useful. John Hanvey presented
the results of his latest research which conclusively
demonstrated that the critical 'C2' group which supported us
in 1979, 1983 and 1987 has now gone to Labour and that winning
this group back ig—Tne key to the next 'n"ntion. Dick
Wirthlin's research re= the reasons we have lost their
support and the approach we should take to get them back. The
discussion which followed these two presentations led us to
draw up a Communications strategy designed to achieve this, as
well as a strategy for dealing with the Labour Party.
The Chairman believes that we must begin the campaign to take
us into the next election now. The purpose of the Conference
was to decide our strategy. He would now like to present to
you the results of our discussions and ensure that you are
content with what he roposes. He envisages a small meeting
and would like to bring only Tom Arnold, Dick Wirthlin, Tim
e , John Hanvey and Brendan Bruce. We had previouily
arranged a slot in your Ti-a-y--51--an hour and a half next
Friday for this purpose. However, he and I both feel that this
is so important that it would be much better to do it at a
time when you are not under pressure and we can go through it
thoroughly. This would point to a Saturday or Sunday. Looking
at your diary, next Sunday appears to be a possibility (which
has the advantage of being before Dick Wirthlin returns to
America). However, Saturday is already taken up with your
talks with President Mitterand and an alternative would be to
look for a day in February.
Would you like me to set up the meeting?
If so, would you like to hold it this Sunday or prefer to look
for another date later on?
JOHN WHITTINGDALE
1314 Gil •.4,43
-
PRIME MINISTER
RESEARCH PRESENTATION
Following your return from Paris on Saturday evening, the Chairman
is bringing a group from Central Office at 5.30 to show you the latest
findings of our opinion research and to discuss our communications
strategy to take us into the next election. This follows the
conference the Chairman held at Hever Castle last weekend.
Those attending will be: The Chairman, Tom Arnold, Dick Wirthlin,
John Hanvey, Tim Bell, Brendan Bruce, Brian Griffiths and myself.
The presentation will take place in the state dining room. We have
arranged for supper afterwards in the small dining room which CaIly
is coming in to prepare. Tim Bell and Brian Griffiths are not able to
stay for dinner, but Mr Thatcher will be joining us.
ato
JOHN WHITTINGDALE
19th January, 1990
•
FRONT DOOR
Herewith a list of those who will be attending the meeting on
Saturday at 5.00pm.
The Party Chairman
Lord Young (possibly)
Brendan Bruce
Tim Bell
Tom Arnold MP
Richard Wirthlin
John Hanvey
The last three will be arriving at about 4.45pm in a taxi, bringing
some equipment they need, such as an overhead projector, and
screen. The meeting will be held in the State Dining Room.
DEBBIE
18th January, 1990
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